Time-motion analysis of a 2-hour surfing training session

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Surfing Performance Analysis

Background:

• Surfing requires high physical demands, but training intensity and its relation to competitive performance are not well-quantified.
• Understanding the physiological and biomechanical aspects of surfing training is crucial for optimizing athlete preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a descriptive and quantitative time-motion analysis of a standard surfing training session.
• To utilize global positioning system (GPS) and heart-rate (HR) technology to assess training load and physiological responses.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen male surfers participated in a 2-hour training session while wearing GPS and HR monitors.
• Video recordings captured the entire session, and repeated-measures ANOVAs analyzed time-dependent physical and physiological changes.

Main Results:

• Surfers covered an average of 6293.2 m, with average and peak heart rates of 128 and 171 beats/min, respectively.
• Paddling constituted 42.6% of the session, while stationary periods accounted for 52.8%.

Conclusions:

• The 2-hour training session exhibited lower intensity compared to competitive surfing heats, likely due to fatigue and pacing.
• Current training protocols may not adequately condition surfers for competition demands.
• Coaches are advised to integrate repeated-effort sprint paddling into training to enhance competitive readiness.